The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called for tougher judicial actions against electricity operators who flout safety regulations, following the alarming number of deaths recorded in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
According to The PUNCH, Justice Kekere-Ekun revealed that the industry recorded 112 electricity-related fatalities and 95 injuries in 2024 alone.
“The judiciary must adopt a proactive approach in enforcing industry safety regulations,” she said. “Operators who neglect these standards must be held accountable, while victims and their families must be assured of justice. The safety of our citizens should never be treated as incidental; it is both a legal and moral obligation.”
The seminar, themed “Navigating the Dynamics of Nigeria’s Evolving Electricity Sector,” gathered key stakeholders to discuss emerging challenges facing the nation’s power industry.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized the crucial role the judiciary plays in ensuring that regulatory bodies like NERC operate within the confines of the law.
According to her, NERC’s statutory responsibilities — including the issuance of subsidiary legislation, rate-setting, and adjudication of industry disputes — must be exercised fairly and transparently under judicial oversight.
“It is essential that courts remain vigilant in reviewing delegated legislation to prevent arbitrariness, protect the doctrine of legitimate expectation, and uphold the principles of public participation in regulatory governance,” she said.
By doing so, she added, the judiciary strengthens the rule of law and supports a legal environment that fosters sustainable development.
Justice Kekere-Ekun stressed that regulatory accountability is vital for building public trust and ensuring that operators prioritize safety and efficiency in service delivery.
